Whiplash is a soft-tissue neck injury caused when the head is rapidly snapped backward and then forward — most commonly in rear-end auto accidents. The sudden force overstretches cervical muscles, ligaments, and facet joints, and can also irritate or injure cervical discs. Symptoms often appear hours or days after the crash, which is why same-day documentation matters for both your recovery and any personal injury claim.
Also known as: Cervical acceleration-deceleration injury, Cervical sprain/strain
Symptoms of whiplash
- Neck pain and stiffness, often worse the day after the crash
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
- Tingling or numbness radiating into the arms
- Dizziness, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating
Common causes
- Rear-end motor vehicle collisions (most common)
- Side-impact and rollover crashes
- Sports impacts (football, hockey, MMA)
- Slip and fall with sudden head jerk
- Physical assault
How we treat whiplash
We combine multiple disciplines under one roof so you get the right care for your case — not just whatever one provider happens to offer.
Auto accident injury care
Same-day exam, documented findings for your attorney and insurer, and PI lien billing with no out-of-pocket cost.
Learn more →Chiropractic adjustments
Gentle cervical mobilization to restore joint motion and reduce muscle guarding.
Learn more →Physical therapy
Targeted strengthening, range-of-motion work, and posture correction to prevent chronic pain.
Learn more →Pain management
Interventional injections (trigger point, facet, or medial branch blocks) when pain is not resolving with conservative care.
Learn more →What to expect on your first visit
- Detailed accident history and orthopedic/neurological exam
- Imaging referrals (X-ray, MRI) when clinically indicated
- Personalized treatment plan combining adjustments, soft-tissue work, and PT
- Written narrative reports for your attorney throughout care
- PI lien billing — no payment from you while your claim is open
Frequently asked questions
How soon after my car accident should I be seen for whiplash?
As soon as possible — ideally the same day or within 72 hours. Whiplash symptoms often peak 24–72 hours after the crash, and early documentation strengthens both your recovery and your insurance claim.
Do I pay anything out of pocket for whiplash treatment after a car accident?
No. We bill on a personal injury lien against your settlement, so there is nothing for you to pay while your case is open. We also coordinate directly with your attorney.
How long does whiplash take to heal?
Most patients improve in 6–12 weeks with consistent care. Severe cases involving disc injury or chronic facet pain may take longer and benefit from interventional pain procedures.
Ready to start treatment?
Same-day appointments available. We accept most major insurance, workers' comp, and personal injury liens.
Related conditions we treat
Other spine and musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen alongside whiplash.
Post-Concussion Symptoms
After a concussion from a car accident, fall, or sports injury, most people recover within 2–4 weeks. But for a significant minority, headaches, dizziness, brain fog, and neck pain persist for months. A growing body of research shows that many of these lingering symptoms come from cervical spine and vestibular system dysfunction — both of which are highly treatable.
Learn more →Sciatica
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back, through the buttock, and down one leg. It's almost always caused by compression or irritation of a lumbar nerve root, most often from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or facet arthritis. The good news: the vast majority of sciatica cases resolve without surgery when treated early with the right combination of decompression, manual therapy, and rehab.
Learn more →Herniated Disc
A herniated disc happens when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tough outer layer, often pressing on a nearby nerve root. It can occur in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (low back) spine. While the term sounds alarming, most herniated discs respond very well to non-surgical care that combines decompression, chiropractic adjustments, and rehab.
Learn more →